National institute for adult continuing education

In this article the author discusses the learning and support needs of older women who, because they cared for elderly relatives, found it difficult to attend classes. She contends that there exists a gap in awareness and equal opportunities provision. In an in-depth investigation of the Government's new Access to Learning Fund (ALF) in relation to part-time students, the author found some considerable discrepancies.

The author describes how his Private Member's Bill aims to give the UK's seven million carers the opportunity to learn and to develop a life beyond their caring responsibilities.

Caring for the Carers, is a course run by Brixham Community College's Adult and Community Learning Department in Devon for carers. This article provides an overview of the six week course which aims to give carers 'space for themselves' and covers aspects of healthy living, including relaxation, exercise, positive thinking, assertiveness and finding positive ways of meeting needs.